Health Reports
Archived Content
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please "contact us" to request a format other than those available.
A Canadian peer-reviewed journal of population health and health services research
November 2016
Hearing difficulties and feelings of social isolation among Canadians aged 45 or older
The people who tend to thrive as they age are those who remain socially engaged. They have a network of family and friends that allows them to participate in social life and achieve a sense of belonging and purpose. Alternatively, people may be “socially isolated,” lacking social contact, support, and a sense of belonging. “Social isolation” does not pertain to those who have voluntarily disconnected; rather, socially isolated people have an unmet need for meaningful social interactions, which is often identified as loneliness. Those who are socially isolated are more likely to experience a poor quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Social isolation among the elderly is a particular concern, as it is estimated that more than 30% of Canadian seniors are at high risk.
Abstract Full article PDF version The Daily release
Related articles
Hearing difficulties and feelings of social isolation among Canadians aged 45 or older
- Social participation and the health and well-being of Canadian seniors. Gilmour H. Health Reports (Statistics Canada, Catalogue 82-003) 2012; 23(4): 23-32.
- Prevalence of hearing loss among Canadians aged 20 to 79: Audiometric results from the 2012/2013 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Feder K, Michaud D, Ramage-Morin PL, et al. Health Reports (Statistics Canada, Catalogue 82-003) 2015; 26(7): 18-25.
- Urinary incontinence and loneliness in Canadian seniors. Ramage-Morin PL, Gilmour H. Health Reports (Statistics Canada, Catalogue 82-003) 2013; 24(10): 3-10.
Threshold and subthreshold Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and suicide ideation
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive, often irrational, worry about events and situations such as work, school, health, relationships, finances or routine activities. The anxiety persists for at least six months, is difficult to control, and interferes with occupational, social or other areas of functioning. It is accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability, sleep disturbance, and difficulty concentrating; trembling, sweating, headache, or gastrointestinal symptoms may also be present.1 GAD has been associated with negative social and economic consequences and lower health-related quality of life. Estimates of the prevalence of past 12-month GAD in the population range from 1.1% to 3.0%.
Abstract Full article PDF version The Daily release
Related articles
Threshold and subthreshold Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and suicide ideation
- Positive mental health and mental illness. Gilmour H. Health Reports (Statistics Canada, Catalogue 82-003) 2014; 25(9): 3-9.
- Perceived need for mental health care in Canada: Results from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey–Mental Health. Sunderland A, Findlay LC. Health Reports (Statistics Canada, Catalogue 82-003) 2013; 24(9): 3-9.
- Date modified: